Causative Verbs (Have, Make, Let, Get)
Causative verbs show that someone causes someone else to do something. TOEIC tests the specific verb forms that follow these causatives.
Rules
- Have/Make/Let + Person + Base Verb (e.g., have him call).
- Get + Person + To + Base Verb (e.g., get him to call).
- Have/Get + Object + Past Participle (e.g., have the car fixed).
Examples
"The supervisor had the technicians repair the server immediately."
'Had' + person ('technicians') + base verb ('repair').
"We need to get the contracts signed by Friday."
'Get' + object ('contracts') + past participle ('signed').
"The new software allows users to get their work done faster."
'Get' + object ('work') + past participle ('done').
What TOEIC specifically tests
- Using an infinitive (to + verb) after 'make' or 'let' (e.g., 'make him to go').
- Using a base verb after 'get' + person (e.g., 'get him do it').
- Using a base verb when an object receives the action (e.g., 'have the car repair').
Common questions
What is the difference between 'have him do' and 'have it done'?
Use the base verb ('do') when the person performing the action is mentioned. Use the past participle ('done') when the object receiving the action is mentioned.
Does 'help' act like a causative verb?
Yes, 'help' can be followed by either a base verb or an infinitive (e.g., 'help him finish' or 'help him to finish'). Both are correct.
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